Six bold predictions for the National League in 2014

As noted on Tuesday in the American League version of bold predictions, making any predictions at all about a baseball game or seasons is boldly foolish. Few things play out exactly as we expect them to, but here’s a crack at what to expect in the National League in 2014.

1. Bryce Harper totally happens, wins NL MVP

(USA TODAY Sports Images)

The Nationals much-hyped young outfielder has been a very good player in his first two seasons, especially considering his age. But due to some combination of youth and injuries, Harper has yet to establish himself as the truly great player almost everyone expects him to become. That’ll change in 2014: With more experience, he’ll continue to show improved command of the strike zone and make (somehow) harder and more frequent contact, helping the Nats back to the postseason in the process.

2. The Dodgers don’t win the NL West

(USA TODAY Sports Images)

Does it really count as “bold” to suggest that one club out of five competing for a division title will fall short? Maybe, when the team enters the season as such an overwhelming favorite. But while the Dodgers have a huge payroll and plenty of star power, they don’t actually have a ton of guys who have stayed healthy and performed effectively for even the last two full seasons. They’ve got the talent to run away with it, but enough risk to guess they won’t. Clayton Kershaw will still be awesome regardless.

3. Billy Hamilton wins Rookie of the Year

(PHOTO: Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

This is not to necessarily say Hamilton will deserve the Rookie of the Year, as his .308 on-base percentage in Class AAA last season suggests he still has some improving to do to become a top-flight MLB leadoff hitter. But as we saw in his 13-game cameo last season, the super-speedy Hamilton is just so darn exciting. Batting first in a good hitters’ park, he’ll reach base enough to rack up tons of stolen bases. And his range in center field should provide plenty of highlights even if he’s still relatively new to the position.

4. The Mets move from punchline to set up

Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler (PHOTO: Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

After heartbreaking finishes to both the 2007 and 2008 seasons, the Mets have been more or less awful every year since 2009. But despite their shrinking payroll, the club has compiled and developed a handful of promising pitching prospects over the last few years. They won’t all prove superstars, of course, but by the end of this season, guys like Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero should graduate to the Majors behind 23-year-old Zack Wheeler. The Mets likely won’t have the offense to keep pace in the NL East this season, but by September, fans should be salivating at the prospect of a 2015 rotation fronted by a healthy Matt Harvey.

5. Shelby Miller wins the NL Cy Young Award

(PHOTO: Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports)

This might be the wildest guess in the post, especially given the way Miller appeared to tire in the stretch run last season then disappear in October. But the 23-year-old former top prospect threw more innings in 2013 than in any previous professional season, a trend that should continue upward in 2014. He’ll likely also rein in his control a bit as he matures, allowing him to pitch deeper in games for the ever-good Cardinals and tally the type of win totals that help draw Cy Young attention.

6. Ryan Braun hits 35 home runs

(PHOTO: AP Photo)

This should not constitute a bold prediction at all, really: Braun averaged 34 homers a season in his six healthy, suspension-free years from 2007-2012. But since plenty of baseball fans seem to believe PED users derive all their power from the juice, Braun will go about showing otherwise in 2014. In the process, of course, many people will suspect he’s getting away with something. But that, along with last season’s suspension, constitute his comeuppance.

As noted on Tuesday in the American League version of bold predictions, making any predictions at all about a baseball game or (…)

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